dpsVelocityQ™ Overview

DPS

dpsQuattrus™ Hardware Overview

The latest digital disk recorder hardware platform from the Leitch Post Production group, dpsQuattrus is built on the DDR hardware expertise that won us an Emmy ® Award in 2000 for Outstanding Achievement in Television Technology. Dramatically expanding on the features of the acclaimed dpsReality ® hardware, dpsQuattrus features real-time playback of four video streams (uncompressed or compressed), six graphics streams and, optionally, four channels of simultaneous real-time 3D DVE effects with the Q3DX4™ quad-DVE daughtercard. Amazingly compact, the dpsQuattrus hardware combines all of this real time power with flexible professional video I/O, video mixing and keying, multi-channel audio mixing, video alpha channel support, and an integrated Ultra160 SCSI-3 disk controller, all on a single PCI card that requires just one IRQ.

What are the key features of dpsQuattrus?

- Real-time Simultaneous Playback of 4 Video Streams (Uncompressed or Compressed) and 6 Graphics Streams
- Mix Compressed and Uncompressed Video for Playback
- Real-time Support for Video with Alpha Channel
- Single PCI-slot / Single IRQ
- 12-bit Precision for Wipes and 3D DVE Effects
- Optional Q3DX4 Four-Channel 3D DVE Module (does not require PCI slot or IRQ)
- 8 Audio Channels with Dedicated Hardware DSPs
- Integrated Analog Video I/O – Composite, Component, Y/C
- Optional Digital Video I/O – SDI
- Integrated Analog Audio I/O – Stereo Balanced, Stereo Unbalanced
- Optional Digital Audio I/O – AES/EBU (4 AES Channels), S/PDIF, Embedded SDI
- DV I/O Supported Via Host Computer’s Built-in IEEE-1394 Port or OHCI-Compliant IEEE-1394 Interface Card
- Integrated Ultra160 SCSI-3 Disk Controller
- Support for separate storage controllers for network or system storage
- Simultaneous Fill (Foreground) and Key (Alpha Channel) Output
- DPS Virtual Tape File System™ (VTFS™)
- Dedicated Genlock Input

How many layers can dpsQuattrus handle in real-time?

dpsQuattrus supports real-time simultaneous playback of 4 video streams and 6 graphics streams.

What video and audio I/O does dpsQuattrus support?

The basic dpsQuattrus board includes analog video input/output (composite, Y/C and component) and stereo analog audio input/output (balanced and unbalanced) as standard. SDI video and digital audio I/O (AES/EBU [4 AES Channels], S/PDIF, Embedded SDI) can be added as an option. DV I/O is supported via the host computer’s built-in IEEE-1394 port or OHCI-compliant IEEE-1394 interface card.

Does dpsQuattrus support uncompressed video?

Yes. dpsQuattrus supports uncompressed video, as well as variable compression. Compressed and uncompressed video can be mixed. When compressing video, dpsQuattrus uses Feed Forward Entropy Calculation to first calculate the entropy of the current field, before feeding it forward to the compression engine. The compression engine then uses the results of the entropy calculation to apply an appropriate amount of compression. As the compression is thus optimized based on the current data field, rather than the previous one, this method assures that the compression engine won’t be “surprised” by any sudden changes in the complexity of the video, and provides the highest possible quality for the user’s specified output data rate.

What kind of mass storage controller does dpsQuattrus require?

dpsQuattrus includes an integrated Ultra160 SCSI-3 disk controller, thus saving the expense of a separate mass storage controller (and saving a valuable slot in the host system). For those wishing to use a different type of controller or networked storage, dpsQuattrus also provides the flexibility of using separate system storage controllers, though some restrictions may apply (for example, the number of simultaneous streams may be restricted) based on performance limitations of the storage controller and host system bus. The integrated controller provides optimal performance.

Does dpsQuattrus replace dpsReality in the Leitch Post Production product line?

No. dpsQuattrus is intended for applications that need its additional hardware capabilities (such as four simultaneous video streams, six graphics streams, optional four-channel 3D DVE, system/network storage support, etc.). It represents an addition to the Leitch Post Production product line, not a replacement. dpsReality remains an active product with ongoing development.

Are dpsReality media files compatible with dpsQuattrus?

Yes. dpsQuattrus uses the same .dps video file and .dva audio/media file formats used by dpsReality, so files are fully interchangeable between the two hardware platforms. This is ideal for OEM developers planning to use dpsQuattrus and who have already implemented dpsReality-based solutions, making an easy transition for both the developer and their customers. As a further level of file compatibility, dpsVelocity 8.0 and dpsVelocityQ timeline files are stored in an XML format, providing an easy mechanism for OEM applications to import projects from our popular non-linear editing systems.

Does dpsQuattrus support the DPS Virtual Tape File System™?

Like all of our hardware platforms, dpsQuattrus features the DPS Virtual Tape File System (VTFS), providing seamless and transparent interchange between dpsQuattrus video files and all major graphic file formats. While video data is stored on the system as DPS video files, the VTFS makes the video data also appear to application programs as sequences of frames in ten different image file formats, including TGA, TIF, SGI, PIC, IFF, RLA, VPB, YUV, RAS and BMP. The key is that these frames in these formats don’t actually exist until an application specifically accesses a frame – hence the “Virtual” in VTFS. When an application accesses a specific frame in its preferred format, the VTFS automatically generates that frame in that format from the actual stored DPS video clip, with no manual conversion steps required. Similarly, an application can save a numbered frame in any of the ten formats, and it will automatically be incorporated directly into the specified video clip, ready for immediate output. The VTFS also enables simultaneous read and write network access from multiple machines without the file locking problems typical in other solutions. Note that the VTFS operates only on drives connected to dpsQuattrus’ dedicated Ultra160 SCSI-3 disk controller; VTFS functionality will not be available on system or network storage.

What are the system requirements for dpsQuattrus?

dpsQuattrus supports host systems with a 64-bit/66MHz PCI bus for optimal performance, while retaining compatibility with motherboards with a 32-bit PCI bus. The Windows ® 2000 or Windows ®  XP Professional operating system is required. A list of tested motherboards and system configurations will be offered when certification testing is completed and posted on our web site.

Why Choose dpsQuattrus Hardware for OEM Applications?

dpsQuattrus provides a wide range of benefits for OEM applications. Not only does dpsQuattrus provide extensive hardware capabilities, but its flexible architecture, SDK, and easy-to-use API and support tools provide tremendous advantages for developers.

dpsQuattrus Hardware Options

All of the following items are optional add-ons for the basic dpsQuattrus hardware. While many OEMs will find the capabilities of the basic dpsQuattrus board to be sufficient, these options add further capabilities and expand the possible applications of dpsQuattrus.

{Q3DX4} Four-Channel 3D DVE Module

The optional Q3DX4 quad-channel 3D DVE module provides four channels of 3D DVE effects including scaling, perspective, rotation and warps that can be applied to video or graphics streams. The 3D DVE uses 12-bit math to reduce quantising issues, and sub-pixel interpolation for smooth effects. The Q3DX4 is a daughtercard that plugs directly into the dpsQuattrus mainboard, and does not require an additional PCI slot or IRQ.

{BOB-4400} Rack-Mountable Audio/Video Breakout Box

The optional BOB-4400 rack-mountable breakout box consolidates all video and audio connections (except SDI and DV, which are connected directly to their specific boards) for a clean, professional installation. The BOB-4400 also includes a built-in RS-232 to RS-422 adapter for RS-422 device control.

{SDI-4020} Digital I/O Board

The optional SDI-4020 digital I/O board adds digital audio and SDI video I/O to dpsQuattrus. For video, the SDI-4020 provides one SDI input and two SDI outputs (SMPTE 259M, 270Mb/s). Embedded AES audio conforming to SMPTE-272M is supported on the SDI input. Audio may be synchronous or asynchronous with respect to both the SDI video, and system audio sample clock. For audio I/O, balanced AES/EBU (EIAJ CP-340, XLR), unbalanced AES/EBU (SMPTE-267M, BNC) and S/PDIF (RCA, unbalanced) are provided. The SDI-4020 requires an additional PCI slot, and connects to the main card via a Movie-2 Bus top-hat connector.

Dual-Input Digital I/O Board (Coming Soon)

A new dual-input digital I/O board (expected availability Fall 2002) will provide all of the functionality of the SDI-4020 option board and adds a second SDI input, with the ability to record two discrete SDI input signals simultaneously. This board will also include an integrated on-board hardware MPEG encoder, for real-time MPEG-2 encoding for DVD creation, and for the creation of MPEG streams for other applications.

The Software Development Kit (SDK)

A complete software development kit (SDK) will be available soon for dpsQuattrus. The SDK will include HTML documentation with direct links to the API reference, example programs, debug and release libraries, and more. The SDK will also include Q-Tools, a suite of standalone modular utilities including simple record, playout, and preview tools. Source code for these tools is provided for both examples, and for incorporation into OEM applications. The dpsQuattrus SDK features the same easy-to-use API architecture that many dpsReality OEM developers commented very favorably on, allowing a great deal of control without bogging down in lower-level details. The SDK is free to authorized OEMs and qualified developers.

Sample Applications

The following are examples of potential applications for dpsQuattrus. The possible applications are endless, but these will give you some ideas of what the dpsQuattrus hardware is capable of for OEMs. Some of these are actual applications that are in development by various OEMs using the dpsQuattrus hardware; others are applications that were developed for the dpsReality hardware that could take advantage of the new features of dpsQuattrus; others are suggestions of potential applications. Many of these examples are intentionally vague, to protect the trade secrets of the OEM developers working on them.

Video Playout / Standalone Digital Disk Recorder

The dpsQuattrus hardware is ideal for incorporation into standalone video playout devices, for use either by keyboard, mouse or remote control. VTR Emulation features enable easy RS-422 control from servers, switchers, control panels and other devices, while GPI inputs also permit easy event triggering. dpsQuattrus is ideal for integration as a video playout device for presentation applications, theater, scoreboards, as a deck replacement in a studio, or numerous other applications.

Specialized Mini-Server Applications

dpsQuattrus’ above-mentioned video playout capabilities, combined with its ability to simultaneously play and record, and its high PCI bandwidth supporting file sharing over network-based storage (such as SANs) make dpsQuattrus well-suited to basic server-style applications. In addition to studio operations, dpsQuattrus’ ability to provide extensive flexibility (such as 6 channels of graphics overlay and four channels of 3D DVE) in a small form-factor makes it ideal for mobile mini-server applications such as OB vans.

Live Presentation Support

dpsQuattrus’ ability to mix a live source with four streams of pre-recorded footage is ideal for live presentation applications. dpsQuattrus can transition between live and pre-recorded footage, apply DVE effects to the live source as well as disk-based material, and apply graphics and titles to the live footage, enabling live presentation support to be created that seamlessly blends the live source with pre-edited materials with interactive or pre-determined timing.

Non-Linear Editing

While we already ship dpsQuattrus as part of a powerful, full-fledged non-linear editing solution, dpsVelocityQ, there remain specialized non-linear editing applications that require different toolsets and workflows unique to the particular application. The extensive hardware features of dpsQuattrus make it the ideal hardware platform for such development.

Video for Audio Post

A number of digital audio workstation developers already offer compatibility with the dpsReality hardware, thereby providing a full-quality, time-accurate video reference for users editing, composing, and mixing audio for film, television and video. The dpsQuattrus hardware offers even more advantages, including network storage support. Through the 4-channel DVE module, a split-screen view can also be played back in real-time showing multiple, synced camera angles, useful when doing audio post for projects distributed on DVD supporting multiple camera angles.

Character Generation (Live or Post)

dpsQuattrus’ ability to overlay six animatable graphics layers over both live and pre-recorded video in real-time makes it ideal for both live and post-production character generation and titling applications.

Live DVE

dpsQuattrus’ optional real-time four-channel 3D DVE offers a variety of potential applications for live effects generation. For example, dpsQuattrus could be used to overlay up to four picture-in-picture windows of pre-recorded video over a live feed.

Stillstore / Clipstore

A variety of stillstore and clipstore products are already based on the dpsReality hardware, including Leitch’s own Mediafile, and the dpsQuattrus hardware provides additional features for stillstore and clipstore applications, including network storage support and enhanced graphics layering capabilities. The DPS Virtual Tape File System is ideal for stillstore applications, allowing seamless and transparent support of ten major graphics file formats directly from the file system.

Video Output Device for Graphics Applications

dpsQuattrus makes an ideal output device for computer-based 2D and 3D graphics applications. Examples of this type of application are what Curious Software did with our dpsReality hardware, using it for broadcast video I/O from their Curious World Maps animated map software (see our December 2000 press release), and Mercator’s use of the dpsReality hardware for map visualization and graphical data output for broadcasts of the 2000 Russian Presidential elections (see our August 2000 press release). dpsQuattrus offers even more attractive features than our popular dpsReality hardware for such applications, such as six real-time graphics layers and network storage support.

Replay

Leitch’s own Whiplash2 incorporates the dpsReality hardware for slow-motion replay applications. A wide array of other replay applications exist (not even necessarily slow-motion) for not only sports (such as scoreboards, broadcast, etc.) but also security and other markets. Like the dpsReality hardware, dpsQuattrus features the ability to play back while recording, ideal for playing back replays without interrupting the capturing of the entire event. dpsQuattrus’ network storage support, multi-stream real-time playback and optional quad-channel 3D DVE option make well-suited to this type of application.

Medical Imaging

With miniature video cameras increasingly being used in both medical diagnosis and treatment, there are a wide range of medical imaging applications for which dpsQuattrus is well-suited. dpsQuattrus’ ability to process multiple streams of uncompressed video is a key feature for such applications, where digital processing and interpretation of the video images must be artifact-free.

Internet Video Streaming

The dpsNetStream™ technology incorporated into both dpsQuattrus and dpsReality makes it easy to incorporate web streaming (either live, or the creation of on-demand web media files) as part of an OEM application, either as the primary function of the application, or as an additional feature of the application allowing full-quality video to be easily re-purposed for the web.

dpsQuattrus I/O Specifications:  

Video Inputs

Composite (BNC) ......................................................1V p-p, 75 Ohm
S-Video (4-Pin Mini-DIN):
Y Signal .........................................................1V p-p, 75 Ohm
C Signal..........................................................286mV p-p (NTSC) / 300mv p-p (PAL)
Component Betacam (BNC’s):
Y Signal .........................................................1V p-p, 75 Ohm
R-Y, B-Y (Pr,Pb) ...........................................700mV p-p (NTSC) / 525mv p-p (PAL)

Note(s):
Video input levels correspond to 75% color bar signal, with 100% white reference bar.

Digital Video Inputs (Available with Digital I/O board)

Serial SDI (SMPTE 259M) (BNC)............................800mv, 75 Ohm / Auto EQ to 300m.
DV..............................................................................IEEE-1394

Note(s):
Embedded AES audio conforming to SMPTE-272M is supported on the SDI input. Audio may be synchronous or asynchronous with respect to both the SDI video, and system audio sample clock.

Audio Inputs

Balanced (XLR-F) ..................................................... +4 dBU Nominal, +20 dBU Maximum
Unbalanced Line (RCA) ............................................ -10 dBV Nominal, +6 dBV Maximum
Unbalanced AUX (RCA)........................................... -10 dBV Nominal, +6 dBV Maximum
LTC Input (RCA)....................................................... 0.1-5.0V p-p

Digital Audio Inputs (Available with Digital I/O board)
Professional Format:
AES/EBU (EIAJ CP-340, XLR).................... 5V Balanced, 110 Ohm
AES/EBU (SMPTE-267M, BNC) ................. 1V Unbalanced, 75 Ohm

Consumer Format:

S/PDIF (RCA)................................................ 500mv Unbalanced

Note(s):
Digital audio data may also be derived from either of the SDI or DV input data streams.

Video Outputs

Program Channel:
Composite (BNC) ..........................................1V p-p, 75 Ohm
S-Video (4-Pin Mini-DIN)
Y Signal .............................................1V p-p, 75 Ohm
C Signal..............................................286mV p-p (NTSC), 300mv p-p (PAL)
Component Betacam (BNC’s)
Y Signal .............................................1V p-p, 75 Ohm
R-Y, B-Y (Pr,Pb) ...............................700mV p-p (NTSC), 525mv p-p (PAL)
Preview/Alpha Channel:
Composite (BNC) ..........................................1V p-p, 75 Ohm
S-Video (4-Pin Mini-DIN)
Y Signal .............................................1V p-p, 75 Ohm
C Signal..............................................286mV p-p (NTSC), 300mv p-p (PAL)
Component Betacam (BNC’s)
Y Signal .............................................1V p-p, 75 Ohm
Time Code Video (VITC)
Composite w/VITC (BNC) ............................1V p-p, 75 Ohm

Note(s):
Video output levels correspond to 75% color bar signal,with 100% white reference bar.
 

Digital Video Outputs (Available with Digital I/O board)
Serial SDI (SMPTE 259M) (BNC x 2)......................800mv, 75 Ohm
DV..............................................................................IEEE-1394

Note(s):
1) Embedded AES audio conforming to SMPTE-272M may be inserted into the SDI output stream.
Audio Outputs:
Balanced (XLR-M) .................................................... +4 dBU Nominal, +20 dBU Maximum
Unbalanced Line (RCA) ............................................ -10 dBV Nominal, +6 dBV Maximum
LTC Output (RCA).....................................................1V p-p
 

Digital Audio Outputs (Available with Digital I/O board):
Professional Format:
AES/EBU (EIAJ CP-340, XLR).................... 5V Balanced, 110 Ohm
AES/EBU (SMPTE-267M, BNC)................. 1V Unbalanced, 75 Ohm
Consumer Format:
S/PDIF (RCA)................................................ 500mv Unbalanced
 

Note(s):
1) Digital audio data may also be inserted into both of the SDI and DV output data streams.
 

Genlock Inputs
Composite (BNC) ......................................................1V p-p, Hi-Z
Timing Adjustment Range:
Horizontal ......................................................> +/- 2usec
Subcarrier.......................................................360 Degrees

Hard Drive Interface

Internal/External 68 pin .............................................Ultra160 Wide SCSI
 

Note(s):
1) Backward compatible with legacy devices (i.e. Ultra Wide SCSI-2, Wide SCSI-2, and Fast SCSI-2 type devices).

Native Raster Size

525 Line (NTSC) .......................................................720 x 486
625 Line (PAL) ..........................................................720 x 576

Video Performance

Frequency Response ..................................................0 - 5.0 MHz (+/- 0.25 dB)
.................................................................……….....5.0 - 5.5 MHz (+0.25, -1.5 dB)
K-Factor (2T) .............................................................< 1%
Differential Phase.......................................................< 1 Deg
Differential Gain ........................................................< 1%
Signal/Noise:
Playback.........................................................> 65 dB
Capture + Playback........................................> 58 dB

Audio Performance

A/D ...................................................................…....18 Bit over sampled Sigma-Delta
DAC ....................................................................…..18 Bit over sampled Sigma-Delta
Sample Rates..............................................................11/22.05/32/44.1/48 KHz.
Frequency Response .................................................20 Hz to 20 KHz, +/- 0.5 dB
Dynamic Range....................................................…..88 dB (A weighted)
Total Harmonic Distortion.........................................0.005% Max

Power Consumption

+5V ..................................................................….....1.8/3.6 Amp
+12V .................................................................…...300 mA
-12V ..........................................................................80 mA
Total .........................................................................14/23 Watt
 

Note(s):

1) Higher values apply when the DVE module is present.